My stomach was in a knot. My heart was racing and my breathing shallow. I recognized the beginning of a panic attack.

It was still early on in the pandemic and I was surprised at my body’s response. This was definitely not normal for me, but the uncertainty of what the days ahead would hold seemed overwhelming.

As I sat with my Bible open to my daily reading, my eyes looked at this verse above. The verse was familiar, and is quoted again in Hebrews 13:5, but for the first time the phrase the Lord goes before you struck me in a new way.

God didn’t just go before me, making a way for me. God was already in my future! Since he is not bound by time, he is already there, already in control, already aware of everything I will be facing. I need not worry, nor be anxious because he is still in control and he is already there.

When my anxious thoughts threaten to overwhelm me, I remember this verse….My God goes before me, and he is already there!

How are you navigating these uncertain times? Do you too find yourself responding in unfamiliar ways? When those anxious thoughts multiply within you, remember, God promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. He is already there.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you indeed go before me and will be with me. You are already in my future and because of that I do not need to be discouraged or afraid. You are in control and I can trust you because I am not walking this journey alone. No matter what the future holds, you are already there. Amen.

Go Deeper — Do you feel overwhelmed with uncertainty in these challenging days? Memorize this verse. Remember that God is with you and you need not be afraid. His promise to you today is that he will never leave you nor forsake you. Hang on to that.

Read Further — About some of the difficult questions raised by COVID19.



Tags: Missions Deuteronomy 31
Photo Credit: Amy Humphries